7 must-watch additions coming to Netflix this May

Twilight saga returns alongside fresh originals including Fear Street: Prom Queen and star-studded series Sirens
Netflix shows
Netflix (Photo credit: Shutterstock.com / rafapress)

May brings an impressive slate of new content to Netflix, with 84 fresh titles spanning films, series, and interactive experiences scheduled to arrive on the streaming platform. This comprehensive collection includes the complete Twilight saga, a new entry in the Fear Street franchise, and several high-profile original series featuring acclaimed actors Julianne Moore, Tina Fey, and Vince Vaughn.

The month’s offerings demonstrate Netflix’s continued investment in diverse programming, balancing nostalgic licensed content with ambitious new productions across multiple genres. For subscribers navigating this extensive lineup, several standout titles merit particular attention based on star power, franchise recognition, and creative pedigree.


7 notable Netflix originals debuting in May

Among the numerous original productions premiering this month, these seven titles represent particularly significant additions to the Netflix catalog:

Fear Street: Prom Queen (May 23) – This horror feature expands the popular Fear Street universe established in the 2021 trilogy. Set in the cursed town of Shadyside during prom season, the film promises to deliver the franchise’s signature blend of teen drama and supernatural terror as a new generation confronts the town’s bloody legacy.


Sirens (May 22) – This limited series dark comedy brings together Oscar-winner Julianne Moore and veteran actor Kevin Bacon in a prestige project from the creator of critically acclaimed series “Maid.” The show’s pedigree suggests potential for both critical acclaim and viewer engagement.

The Four Seasons (May 1) – Comedy icons Tina Fey and Steve Carell headline this series remake of the classic 1981 film, with additional star power from Colman Domingo and Will Forte. Their combined comedic talents make this adaptation a significant event in Netflix’s comedy lineup.

Nonnas (May 9) – Vince Vaughn stars in this heartwarming comedy about an entrepreneur who makes the unconventional decision to staff his Italian restaurant exclusively with grandmothers. Directed by Stephen Chbosky (known for “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”), the film blends culinary charm with intergenerational storytelling.

Love, Death & Robots Volume 4 (May 15) – The Emmy-winning animated anthology series returns with 10 new episodes, continuing its tradition of showcasing innovative animation styles and provocative science fiction concepts from diverse creative teams.

Bad Thoughts (May 13) – Comedian Tom Segura stretches his acting muscles in this anthology comedy series where he portrays multiple characters across various darkly humorous scenarios, representing an interesting expansion of Netflix’s comedy programming strategy.

Dept. Q (May 29) – This British crime drama comes with an impressive creative lineage, developed by the creator of “The Queen’s Gambit” and the production team behind “The Crown.” This pedigree suggests potential for sophisticated storytelling and production values.

Complete Twilight saga headlines licensed content

The most significant licensed content addition this month is undoubtedly the complete Twilight saga, with all five films arriving on May 1. This vampire romance franchise starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson maintains substantial cultural relevance and nostalgic appeal despite concluding its theatrical run over a decade ago.

Additional notable licensed acquisitions include:

  • Past Lives (May 1) – This critically acclaimed A24 romance about childhood friends reconnecting after 20 years arrives fresh from its award season success.
  • Ocean’s trilogy (May 1) – George Clooney’s stylish heist series returns to the platform with all three installments.
  • Smile (May 14) – This psychological horror hit from 2022 adds to Netflix’s growing horror library.
  • The Wild Robot (May 24) – The Oscar-nominated DreamWorks animation joins the platform’s family-friendly offerings.

Documentary slate explores sports, crime and cultural icons

Netflix continues its investment in documentary programming with several notable non-fiction releases:

  • The UNTOLD sports documentary series returns with a three-part volume examining controversial sports figures and events, including Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton’s locker room confrontation (May 6), social media fitness personality “The Liver King” (May 13), and NFL quarterback Brett Favre’s fall from grace (May 20).
  • Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (May 26) – True crime specialist Joe Berlinger examines the infamous 1982 poisoning cases that transformed product safety standards nationwide.
  • Britain and the Blitz (May 5) – This historical documentary utilizes newly discovered archival footage and survivor interviews to provide fresh perspective on Britain during World War II air raids.
  • Vini Jr. (May 15) – This profile of the Brazilian soccer star continues Netflix’s investment in sports personality documentaries.

International content expands with global productions

Netflix’s global production strategy remains evident with numerous international titles debuting in May:

  • Korean dramas include Dear Hongrang (May 16), Tastefully Yours (May 12), and the animated romantic film Lost in Starlight (May 30).
  • European productions feature prominently with Spanish thriller Bad Influence (May 9), Dutch comedy Football Parents (May 16), and Italian comedy Real Men (May 21).
  • Latin American releases include Colombian telenovela Poor (May 21), Mexican comedy-drama Snakes and Ladders (May 15), and Argentinian drama The Heart Knows (May 30).

Animation spans adult and children’s programming

Animation enthusiasts will find content across age demographics with both adult-oriented and family-friendly releases:

  • Big Mouth (May 23) concludes its run with a final eighth season of adolescent animated comedy.
  • Blood of Zeus (May 8) delivers its third and final season of mythologically-inspired action.
  • For younger viewers, Mighty Monsterwheelies returns with a second season on May 5, while CoComelon continues with its thirteenth season on May 26.

Daily release schedule throughout May

May 1 The month begins with an impressive 33 titles, including the complete Twilight saga, the Ocean’s trilogy, and original series “The Four Seasons” starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell. Additional noteworthy arrivals include critically acclaimed A24 releases “Past Lives” and “Mid90s,” plus animated favorites “Trolls” and “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.”

May 2-10 The first third of the month brings Korean zombie films “Train to Busan” and its sequel “Peninsula,” the comedy “Nonnas” starring Vince Vaughn, plus documentaries including “Conan O’Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize” and “Britain and the Blitz.”

May 11-20 Mid-month highlights include Tom Segura’s “Bad Thoughts,” horror hit “Smile,” the anime adaptation “Bet,” Volume 4 of “Love, Death & Robots,” and the latest season of CW drama “All American.”

May 21-31 The month concludes with the highly anticipated “Fear Street: Prom Queen,” Julianne Moore’s limited series “Sirens,” the final season of “Big Mouth,” prestigious drama “Dept. Q,” and culminates with the live TUDUM global fan event on May 31, where Netflix will preview upcoming content.

Interactive content extends beyond passive viewing

Netflix continues expanding its interactive offerings with the addition of “Single’s Inferno: Choices” to its games portfolio on May 29. This iOS and Android title, based on the popular dating reality show, allows players to navigate romantic scenarios through various gameplay mechanics.

The TUDUM global fan event on May 31 provides another interactive element to close the month, with Netflix presenting a 90-minute live stream featuring exclusive previews of upcoming content, special performances, and direct engagement with the platform’s global audience.

What’s leaving in May

While the incoming content is substantial, subscribers should note that several titles will be departing the platform throughout May. Netflix has not yet released a comprehensive list of departing titles, but vigilant viewers should consult the platform’s “leaving soon” section to ensure they complete viewing of any soon-to-depart favorites.

With 84 new additions arriving throughout the month, May 2025 represents one of Netflix’s most substantial content refreshes of the year, offering something for virtually every viewing preference across its increasingly diverse global subscriber base.

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Vera Emoghene
Vera Emoghene is a journalist covering health, fitness, entertainment, and news. With a background in Biological Sciences, she blends science and storytelling. Her Medium blog showcases her technical writing, and she enjoys music, TV, and creative writing in her free time.
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